South Lida Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. DNR lake ID 56074702.
South Lida Lake is a 777-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. Its deepest point reaches 48 ft, and about 46% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on South Lida Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56074702 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Pelican Rapids |
| Surface area | 777 acres |
| Maximum depth | 48 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 46% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 30.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 12.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 13.4 ft, phosphorus 30.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 12.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, South Lida Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on South Lida Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 4.83 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Northern pike | gill | 15.83 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.0 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.75 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 7.5 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.08 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 1.25 | 0.2 to 1.0 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.17 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 3.83 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.92 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 4.42 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 24.0 in (2021), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2021), Northern pike 31.0 in (2021), Smallmouth bass 16.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Walleye 17 to 26 in must be released (one over 26 allowed). Crappie must be 11 in or longer. Sunfish daily limit 10. (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Venstrom Lake 0.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Grass Lake 2.0 mi, Otter Tail County
- Bass Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Beers Lake 2.6 mi, Otter Tail County
- Twenty-one Lake 2.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Lida Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- North Lida Lake 3.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Fladmark Lake 3.8 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about South Lida Lake
How deep is South Lida Lake?
South Lida Lake reaches a maximum depth of 48 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 46% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is South Lida Lake?
South Lida Lake covers about 777 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is South Lida Lake?
Summer water clarity on South Lida Lake averages 13.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does South Lida Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
South Lida Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in South Lida Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in South Lida Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
How is the walleye population on South Lida Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2000 to 2021, walleye numbers on South Lida Lake ran mostly above the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on South Lida Lake?
Homes on South Lida Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on South Lida Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on South Lida Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 46% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on South Lida Lake?
Yes. Walleye 17 to 26 in must be released (one over 26 allowed). Crappie must be 11 in or longer. Sunfish daily limit 10.
Ask us about South Lida Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2021), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.